As we await 2026 which is quickly approaching, we are keeping an eye on what is happening for the future of federal sentencing. On Friday, December 12th, a U.S. panel tasked with crafting federal sentencing policy proposed one- tougher penalties for crimes involving the addictive opioid fentanyl and two- changes to how white-collar defendants are…

What are the laws for personal use of drones? Do they vary by state? Flying a drone for fun isn’t as simple as unpacking the box and taking off. Federal rules require you take a free safety test and keep proof you passed. You also must keep the drone in your line of sight, away…

A federal indictment is a formal charge or accusation made by a grand jury that a person has committed a federal crime. Grand juries are composed of citizens who review evidence presented by the prosecution and determine whether there is probable cause to bring criminal charges against an individual. If the grand jury finds sufficient…

As attorneys, we work hard and long for clients to get an acquittal or the least amount of prison time in federal cases.  When prison becomes a reality, defendants now have a whole new set of questions before them and their family.  While attorneys cannot possibly know everything about the prison experience, there are some…

In our society, violence is not tolerated with a few exceptions. These usually involve the protection of life.  In such instances, not only is violence accepted but can be cause for adoration.  The defender is oftentimes considered a hero.  However, a survivor of domestic violence who engages in self-defense against an abuser is never a…

The issue – whether a pre-2018 sentence on a valid 924(c) charge may be changed where a separate 924(c) count is invalidated – is currently pending in many appeals before the Third Circuit.  Iin United States v. White, No. 10-420-1, 2024 WL 3032891, at *2 (E.D. Pa. June 17, 2024) the district court determined that plenary…

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) released a memorandum on May 28, 2025 stating that they are expanding home confinement.  It is not an expansion per se, but it is a good start to necessary changes avoiding mass incarceration. Under the First Step Act, inmates can earn up to 365 days off their sentence by participating in…

Due to be become effective on November 1, 2025.  However, if you or a family member are due to be sentenced before November, kindly contact our office for assistance. To answer one frequent question before diving in: the Commission seems to have decided not to take up many of the proposed amendments, including career offender…